Strawberries sold in a snap last week, but don’t worry if you didn’t go home with any. Berries are back again at area farmers tailgate markets! What’s more, they’re super sweet now. With the drenching rains mostly behind us, the sun has gone to work bringing out the berries’ sugars. Speaking of sweet, Mackey Farms (Madison County Farmers & Artisans Market, Weaverville Tailgate Market) offered up strawberry ice cream last week, so be on the lookout.
Fresh at Farmers Markets
Start your shopping list and get meal inspiration each week with ASAP’s roundup of what’s fresh at farmers markets. Although this report focuses on vendors at Buncombe County markets, many products mentioned can be found at markets throughout the region. Want to get this report in your inbox each week? Subscribe to ASAP’s Weekly Farmers Market Report newsletter. Looking for a yearlong view? Check out ASAP’s produce seasonality chart.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Noticing that markets don’t look the same as they did this time last May? It’s true. Warm weather accelerated the harvest last year, while a cooler spring and recent heavy rains are delaying things a bit now. But rest assured, more produce is coming—more options and larger quantities!
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
The bad news: It’s the end of the short ramps season—grab ’em if you see ’em. The good news: The spring harvest is just heating up, and ramps are pretty much the only produce you’ll have to say goodbye to for a while at area farmers tailgate markets! This week, say hello to all manner of fruits and veggies: lettuce, spinach, strawberries, and the list goes on.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Adore asparagus? Then get thee to a farmers tailgate market this week and weekend! Although stalks have been trickling in for a bit, markets are moving toward asparagus abundance thanks to vendors like McConnell Farms (Asheville City Market, Asheville City Market South, North Asheville Tailgate Market, West Asheville Tailgate Market).
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Their hue has been called “passionate scarlet” by one famous food writer. Yep, we’re talking about radishes! Bold beauties have already been spotted from vendors like New Moon Herbs Farm and Earthlife Farm at Asheville City Market Downtown.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
Get your greens at area farmers tailgate markets now! Tailgates from Asheville City Market (ACM) to Jackson County Farmers Market, Madison County Farmers & Artisans Market to Weaverville Tailgate Market, and French Broad Food Co-op Wednesday Tailgate Market (FBFC) to West Asheville Tailgate Market and North Asheville Tailgate Market have opened outdoors for the season with all kinds of leafy greens. We’re talking arugula, chard, herbs (like cilantro and oregano), kale, lettuces, mustard greens, pak choi, and spinach.
*UPDATED* Tailgate Tents Going Up! (Market Opening Dates)
Yes, it is spring. One way to know for sure, even with this week’s confusing cold and snow? Tailgate tents are going up, and area farmers markets are opening outdoors for the harvest season!
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
This week is a winter wind down and spring start up!
Asheville City Market (ACM) downtown hosts its last indoor winter market this Saturday, March 30 (10 am-1 pm). Expect the same goodness of the past several months—greens, cheeses, fresh-baked breads, and more. Also expect something new: the first fresh chickens of the season from Hominy Valley Farms!
Fresh at (Winter) Farmers Markets This Week
The weather is warming, and spring is officially just around the corner! Even though that means winter markets are winding down, there’s still plenty of excitement left for the next two-three weeks before they head outdoors, including more produce and plant starts.
